New community garden gets the go-ahead

Residents meet Network Rail

Land next to the railway between Gleneldon Road and Wellfield Rd that has lain derelict for more than a decade is to be turned into a community garden, thanks to the determination of local residents.

A group of local people have got the go-ahead to lease the land from Network Rail and will form a trust to manage the land for the community.

Site that has been a long time vacant

They plan to transform what is currently a windswept eyesore that attracts fly-tipping into a beautiful oasis, growing organic fruit and vegatables, and encouraging participation from local schools, youth groups and the wider community.

Initially Network Rail had earmarked the land for commercial development, but negotations over the last two years have paid off. 

Streatham Common Community Garden

Food growing projects are something that we are trying to promote in Streatham, as the local area has fallen behind other parts of the borough. You can can see how Lambeth is doing in this food growing map here.

However Streatham Common Community Garden is now open every from Sunday 12-4. All are welcome to come along and lend a hand.

The garden is based in the historic walled garden next to the Rookery, Streatham Common.

Local residents are invited to join and help in whatever way they can. This could be by volunteering to help clear the site and plant and harvest crops, coming along to community meetings about the project, representing the group at local events, or benefiting from training and education projects which are being set up.

You can register your interest on the website. You'll get email updates to tell you what's happening and how you can get involved. You can also join the Facebook group.

Find our more at: http://groupspaces.com/StreathamCommonCommunityGarden/